THERE IS a further attempt to restore the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal.
The last attempt was in the latter days of British Waterways, Janet Friend relates.
The Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal Society, have commenced a campaign to show the benefits of restoring the canal, organising guided walks, plus campaigns and lobbying.
Already accomplished
Some work had already been accomplished under British Waterways, but was halted after Canal & River Trust took over, it withdrawing its support has it had with other such restorations.
The picture showing the concrete that was used whilst the restoration was ongoing with the latter picture showing the official opening of the restoration in 2008.
At present there are many sections filled in with the volunteers having great expectations of restoring the waterway, but telling this, there is no mention of the former restoration.
The people behind the present restoration tell that making it navigable once again could bring a 'real economic boost'.
The Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal, was constructed to carry coal from nearby collieries and was worked for over 100 years.
The canal, as its name suggests, connected Manchester with both Bolton and Bury with its two arms..
Still in water
Around 40 per cent of the route is still in water but the rest has been filled in.
However, it would still require a great deal of investment before it could be completely reopened. And one section has a main road cutting through the original waterway.
Luckily the route of the canal has planning protection in Bolton, Bury and Salford.